Inquiry into ex-Ausgrid engineer continues

An ICAC inquiry into allegations against an ex-Ausgrid engineer is due to continue on Tuesday.

The corruption watchdog has been investigating allegations Phillip Cresnar solicited and received more than $300,000 in kickbacks between 2008 and 2014 from companies vying for work laying electricity cables.

As a project engineer, Mr Cresnar initiated and helped oversee contracts in Sydney's northern suburbs worth millions of dollars, the inquiry heard.

He allegedly used the kickbacks to pay for renovations to his inner-Sydney home and work on his luxury car, along with electronics, tickets and appliances.

A construction boss told the inquiry on Monday he felt "held at ransom" by Mr Cresnar who allegedly demanded gifts in return for help securing government contracts.

Bastow Civil Constructions, supplied $67,000 in gifts via a company credit card between 2008 and 2010, and paid for $25,000 work on Mr Cresnar's Saab with a company cheque.

Company director Jason Bastow told the inquiry he hesitated when Mr Cresnar initially asked for certain household items, but eventually paid up.

He said he feared jobs for his company would dry up should kickbacks cease.

The inquiry is expected to run until Friday.